Pre-programmed MMO-centered buttons. On the fly macro-editing. Swappable keyset. Half the price of a keyboard (provided you already own the Shift). Good software interface.

Cons

Software compatible with Windows OS only. Shift frame not ergonomic. Some misprinting on keys. Cannot buy as a bundle with Shift frame.

Bottom Line

The SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset is a great idea, though, the housing is lackluster.

The SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset ($24.99) helps to expand your game to the Massive Multiplayer Online arena (MMO) through this niche removable keyboard for the Shift frame. So rather than having to go out and buy another keyboard for $50 to help improve your World of Warcraft raiding, you can spend half that on a changeable keyset. But because it only works within the Shift keyboard ($89.99 direct, 3 stars) housing, it maintains all of its design flaws.

Similar Products

Design
The MMO Keyset looks like a traditional keyboardonly without the frame or wires. It latches into the SteelSeries Shift and is only compatable with this model. Rather than a numeric keypad on the far right, there's a slew of emote (e.g., talk, shout, say, dance, etc) and programmable macro buttons. There are a fair amount of buttons dealing with the social aspect of the MMO genre, eight programmable keys, and several others for basic functions, such as movement and combat. On the left side of the keyboard is a column of media buttons for pausing/ playing, skipping, rewinding, and muting. Along the top, above the function keys, sit a row of designated quick-keys that you can program in the macro editor, which allows you to repurpose key's meanings. Their position is a little awkward, as they aren't in an easily accessible position that would make them convenient.

There were a few errors in the printed symbols on the keyboard: Where there should have been an @ sign, the icon on the key indicated it was in fact the " key. However, when pressing the " key, I received the @ symbol. Theses discrepancies are seen throughout the keyboard. On the MMO part of the keyset, I found the designated "screen shot" button didn't work at all when in-game; it just opened my inventory in World of Warcraft.

The MMO Keyset fastens on to the keyboard frame and can unfasten to fold into a compact 6 by 5.25 by 1.6 inches (HWD). This causes a break in two spots in the keyset that, for the most part, goes unnoticed except for in the space bar, which is broken in half. This had no affect on my typing experience, but it did for others who tried out the keyset . For now, this particular keyset cannot be purchased in a bundle with the Shift frame. But if bought separately, you cannot use it without the Shift frame.

Features
SteelSeries' Engine software can be downloaded off its support site. The user interface is easy to navigate: There's a virtual layout of the keyboard where you can highlight various keys to repurpose under various custom profiles. Under the macro editor, you can choose to drag and drop single buttons and MMO-based commands onto the virtual keyboard or select the key you would like to create into a macro and start typing away. You can choose for the editor to record delays as well. Within the SteelSeries Engine is a "Stats" option in the interface where you can record your keystrokes to see what keys you use most frequently. The program maps out the virtual keyboard based on a color scale indicating the frequency of which keys are used.

Macros can also be created outside the program through the quick record button on the Shift keyboard frame. It's a helpful feature when you're looking t make a quick tweak while in the lobby between online sessions or missions.

There's a healthy helping of port (yes, ports) on the Shift, including audio-in and -out, as well as two USB 2.0 ports. It helps take the strain out of plugging and unplugging your headphones or mice from the back of your desktop.

Performance
The keyset easily slid into the empty slot and gave a satisfying "snap" when clamped into the Shift frame. I took the MMO Keyset for a spin in WoW and found the social keys helpful when communicating to my friends and chatting up random strangersmuch easier than having to write out "/say". However, the right side of the keyset was littered with these emote keys that it was a little much. I prefer a simpler setup more like the Razer Anansi ($99.99 direct, 4 stars), where you have several designated keys, conveniently placed that you can preprogram to your liking.

The SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset is a great way to up the re-usability of your Shift keyboard rather than paying $50 for a replacement. However, the housing has a few design flaws that make it an, overall, lackluster keyboard. If you're looking for an MMO keyboard with key customizability and quick-keys to improve your game, I'd go for the Editors' Choice Razer Anansi.

SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset

SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset

Get Our Best Stories!

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.